Study in Belgium offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees at higher education institutions in Belgium. There are two types of higher education institutions in Belgium:
1- University education is provided by universities and includes education in a chosen field along with scientific research.
2- Non-university higher education includes both university colleges and art academies. University colleges prepare students for specific careers. Art academies teach the theory and practice of various arts.
Many master's degree programs are taught in Dutch or French, and some programs and courses are taught in English.
Why study in Belgium?
Belgium is in the center of Europe, a short train ride from major cultural cities such as Paris and Berlin. At the crossroads of Europe, Belgium is known for its multiculturalism and welcoming attitude to international students.
Belgian higher education institutions are recognized worldwide by the business and scientific communities for their high quality. Belgium also has a high standard of living, including low education, excellent healthcare, and a strong public transport network.
Universities
Belgium has six universities offering postgraduate degrees in all fields such as economics, engineering, languages , and psychology.
Belgium's 21 university colleges offer postgraduate programs in eight areas: agriculture, applied arts, economics, paramedicine, education, social sciences, technology, and translation and interpretation.
Belgium has 17 art academies that offer postgraduate degrees in one of four general disciplines: fine arts, music, theater arts, and broadcasting techniques.
Training and program duration
The 2012-2013 tuition fee at universities for students from EU countries is 835€. Students from non-EU countries pay an additional fee of between 2,000€ and 4,000€ depending on their course and university.
Tuition fees are lower in university colleges and art academies. The 2012-2013 tuition fee for the master's program is 351€ for each year except the final year, which is 455€. Again, additional fees may apply to students from non-EU countries. The specific company can provide information about these additional charges.
Master's degree programs are either 1 year (60 credits) or 2 years (120 credits) depending on the field of study. In addition, students who already have a master's degree can earn a complementary master's degree with a minimum of 60 credits in a speciality.
During the academic year
The academic year consists of three terms. The first season begins in mid-September and runs until the end of December, followed by exams in January. The second season starts in early February and runs until mid-May, followed by exams in late May or early June. The third period runs in the summer. Students who fail the exam can retake it during the session from mid-August to mid-September.
